Unchangeable

Sermon Introduction

Paul mentioned to the Galatians that the law justifies no one in the sight of God. But, conversely, he explained that justification is through faith in Christ and not through the works of the law. Furthermore, Paul cited Abraham, whom God credited righteousness because Abraham believed. Does the law of Moses change the Abrahamic covenant? Certainly not. Paul explained God’s promise to Abraham in relation to Christ. God’s promise to Abraham is about Christ.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Galatians 3:15-18 ESV

15 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.

Notes

Paul mentioned to the Galatians that the law justifies no one in the sight of God. But, conversely, he explained that justification is through faith in Christ and not through the works of the law. Furthermore, Paul cited Abraham, whom God credited righteousness because Abraham believed. Does the law of Moses change the Abrahamic covenant? Certainly not. Paul explained God’s promise to Abraham in relation to Christ. God’s promise to Abraham is about Christ.

1. Nature of a Covenant
   Even among man-made agreements, no one can change them once ratified. More so with God’s covenant. God made a covenant with Abraham; no one can change it, not even the law of Moses (3:15).
   15 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified.
   

2. Through One
   Paul explained that God should fulfill His promises to Abraham through one descendant, Christ alone. Therefore, God would fulfill His promises to Abraham through Christ alone (3:16).
   16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ
   

3. The Promise Remains
   Paul expounded that the law did not exist when God credited Abraham with righteousness through faith. The law came 430 years later; it cannot annul God’s covenant with Abraham about faith in Christ (3:17-18).
   17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.

Application

1. Don’t Alter the Gospel
   The Mosaic Law did not alter the Abrahamic Covenant. God’s covenant in Christ fulfills God’s promise to Abraham. Similarly, nothing may alter God’s covenant in Christ. Therefore, let us keep it pure and unadulterated.

2. Faith in Christ Alone
   God’s promises to Abraham find fulfillment through Abraham's descendant, Christ Jesus. The blessing to the nations is through faith in Christ alone, not in any other person, nor any other way. Therefore, let’s faith in Him alone.

3. Preach the Promise
   Let us preach the promise of God through Abraham, which means preaching the gospel of Christ. We must preach the gospel in our cities, provinces, and country to every tribe, tongue, and nation.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What human example did Paul use in explaining a covenant?

2. What clarification did Paul make about Abraham’s descendant?

3. What does it mean that the inheritance cannot come through the law?